An imposing 15thC castle on the edge of a little white town makes a perfect setting for a Parador - which is why the Carlos V is often fully booked. The Parador architects have modernized it without losing any of its Medieval flavour; it is difficult to tell that the new extension is not part of the original building. An arched doorway between round towers leads into a cobbled courtyard. The small shuttered windows peep out of cold grey walls and an arcaded balcony looks down from solid square towers. Most of the public rooms are simply furnished in a modern style. Sombre oil paintings hang on the walls of the upstairs sitting room, which opens on to the balcony set with yellow and white chairs. The bar and dining room are bright and comfortable, and look on to the Parador gardens. The original bedrooms lead off tall, narrow, beamed corridors and have all the usual facilities. Rooms in the extension are light and spacious. There is plenty to do outside; for the energetic, a swimming pool and tennis court; for children, a play area with swings and slides; and for those who just want to relax, lovely rose gardens surrounding this historic castle.